Design Manager - Qld Buildings

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Qld Buildings

Company: Aurecon

Location: Brisbane, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through the entire project lifecycle, from concept ideation to final delivery.

• Drive the development of high-quality design documentation and provide critical support during construction phases.

• Collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to deliver expert advice and innovative solutions for building infrastructure projects.

• Contribute to Aurecon's mission of creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure that enhances community well-being.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, embracing diverse ideas and challenging conventional approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in Aurecon's QLD Buildings team is positioned as a critical leadership function, bridging technical expertise with client-facing responsibilities. The emphasis on "concept to delivery" and "support construction activities" indicates a hands-on approach to project oversight, requiring a blend of strategic vision and practical execution. The mention of "identifying and advising on complex engineering projects" suggests a consultative element, where the Design Manager acts as a key advisor to clients on feasibility, design options, and project risks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring alignment with project objectives, client requirements, and Aurecon's quality standards.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for building and infrastructure projects, from initial concept development through to detailed design documentation and construction support.

• Engage proactively with clients, government bodies, and other stakeholders to understand project needs, manage expectations, and foster strong working relationships.

• Provide authoritative technical advice and strategic recommendations to clients, enabling informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

• Drive the development of innovative, sustainable, and resilient design solutions that address complex engineering challenges and contribute to positive community outcomes.

• Ensure timely and accurate production of design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports, adhering to relevant codes, standards, and regulations.

• Support construction activities by addressing design queries, reviewing submittments, and collaborating with site teams to resolve any on-ground challenges.

• Contribute to business development initiatives by identifying opportunities, assisting with proposals, and maintaining client relationships.

• Actively participate in project risk management, identifying potential issues and developing mitigation strategies.

• Mentor and develop junior engineering and design staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on project lifecycle management, stakeholder collaboration, and technical leadership. The inclusion of "support construction activities" and "addressing design queries" indicates that this role is not purely conceptual but involves active problem-solving during the execution phase. The emphasis on "resilient and innovative design solutions" points towards a forward-thinking approach, aligning with industry trends in sustainability and advanced engineering practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Services), Architecture, or a related built environment discipline.

• A Master's degree or postgraduate qualification in Project Management or a specialized engineering field is advantageous. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design and/or project management within the building and infrastructure sectors.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering complex, multidisciplinary design projects from inception to completion.

• Proven experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary design teams.

• Experience working within an engineering consultancy environment is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of the design process, methodologies, and best practices for building and infrastructure projects.

• Project Management: Proficiency in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and quality assurance.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse technical teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for managing client relationships, government liaison, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Technical Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex engineering challenges.

• Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Construction Activities Support: Familiarity with construction processes and the ability to provide effective design support during the execution phase.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and implement strategic design approaches that align with project goals and client objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Australian building codes, standards, and regulations.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.

• Familiarity with advanced design software and BIM (Building Information Modeling) technologies.

• Experience with contract administration and procurement processes.

• Ability to see the big picture and challenge assumptions to drive optimal outcomes.

• Eligibility to obtain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is set at 5-10 years, suggesting a mid-to-senior level role requiring substantial practical experience. The educational requirements are broad, encompassing engineering and architecture, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of building design. The "preferred skills" section, particularly the mention of AGSVA security clearance, indicates potential work on government or sensitive projects, requiring candidates to be mindful of security protocols and eligibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant building or infrastructure projects managed from concept through to construction. Each case study should detail your specific role, the project's complexity, the multidisciplinary teams involved, and the outcomes achieved.

• Design Process Documentation: Examples of how you have managed or contributed to the development of design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports. Highlight your approach to quality control and adherence to standards.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Demonstrations of your ability to engage with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This could include examples of consultation processes, issue resolution, and successful relationship management.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Specific instances where you have contributed to innovative design solutions or successfully resolved complex technical challenges, emphasizing the process and impact.

• Team Leadership Examples: Evidence of your experience in leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, including how you fostered collaboration and managed team performance.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Provide examples of how you have improved or streamlined design workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and improve project outcomes.

• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Document your approach to implementing quality assurance processes within design projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications.

• Risk Management Protocols: Illustrate your methods for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Collaboration Tools & Methodologies: Showcase your experience with tools and methodologies that facilitate effective communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, especially in a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a strong portfolio is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that not only outline project achievements but also demonstrate their understanding and application of effective design management processes, risk mitigation strategies, and stakeholder engagement techniques. The emphasis on "process documentation" suggests that Aurecon values a structured, methodical approach to design management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Brisbane, Australia), experience level (5-10 years), and the nature of the role within a leading engineering consultancy like Aurecon, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in major Australian cities with this experience, the estimated annual salary range would be between AUD $130,000 to $180,000. This range can vary based on the specific complexity of projects, individual qualifications, and the outcome of the interview process.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Aurecon explicitly mentions supporting flexible work, which is a key benefit for work-life balance.

• Part-time Options: The company is open to considering part-time roles, offering further flexibility for candidates.

• Professional Development: As a large engineering consultancy, Aurecon likely offers robust opportunities for continuous professional development, including training, workshops, and support for professional accreditations.

• Career Growth: The company highlights supporting career ambitions and tackling complex challenges, indicating clear pathways for advancement within the organization.

• Health and Wellness Programs: Standard benefits often include health insurance, wellness initiatives, and employee assistance programs.

• Superannuation: As per Australian employment law, employers contribute to the employee's superannuation fund.

• Potential for AGSVA Security Clearance Support: For roles requiring it, Aurecon will support successful applicants through the clearance process, which can be a significant professional development opportunity.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for a full-time role are typically 40 hours per week. However, Aurecon's emphasis on flexible working arrangements suggests that there may be scope for adjusted schedules or hybrid work patterns, subject to project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for similar roles in Brisbane, Australia, considering the specified experience level and the industry (engineering consultancy). The benefits listed are derived from the job description's explicit mentions and common offerings from large, reputable organizations in the sector. The mention of "WorkplaceAdjustment@aurecongroup.com" suggests a commitment to accommodating diverse needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy (Buildings & Infrastructure)

Company Size: 6,000+ employees across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This signifies a large, established organization with diverse capabilities and a global reach. For operations professionals, this means access to extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration on a significant scale.

Founded: Aurecon has a long history, evolving from various legacy firms, with a strong presence built over decades. This history implies stability, a deep pool of expertise, and a well-defined corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The QLD Buildings team is part of a larger national and international structure. Within Queensland, there are teams based in Cairns, Townsville, and Brisbane, indicating a distributed yet connected operational footprint across the state.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the QLD Buildings division, such as a Regional Director or Practice Leader. They will manage a team of designers and engineers, forming a core project delivery unit.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: This role necessitates extensive cross-functional collaboration with other Aurecon business units (e.g., Project Management, Structural Engineering, Services Engineering, Sustainability) and external entities (clients, contractors, regulatory bodies).

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Aurecon emphasizes a data-driven approach, utilizing analytics to inform design decisions and project outcomes. This involves leveraging project data to identify trends, optimize performance, and manage risks effectively.

• Operations Process 2: The company promotes a collaborative and innovative methodology, encouraging diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges. This includes agile approaches where appropriate and a focus on resilient and sustainable design principles.

• Operations Process 3: Aurecon is committed to adopting and developing advanced technologies, including BIM and digital engineering tools, to enhance efficiency and deliver superior project outcomes.

Company Website: https://aurecongroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's description as a global engineering consultancy with over 6,000 employees positions this role within a structured corporate environment that values innovation, sustainability, and people. The distributed nature of the Queensland operations suggests a need for strong remote management and communication skills, even within a hybrid framework. The emphasis on "people and planet" in their mission statement indicates a corporate culture that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the operations and technical leadership track. It requires significant project experience and the ability to lead teams